Things to do
Aside from lounging by the pool or frolicking on the beach, the house itself has a surprisingly varied selection of things to do without the need for you to leave your luxury enclave. Within the spacious grounds you can play tennis or petanque, surf or snorkel, take a cookery or cocktail-making class or simply find peace at sea on a paddle board. Inside the house you’ll find an entertainment basement with a gym, wine cellar, pool table and home cinema. Slightly further afield you and your group could island-hop the Seychelles by private yacht or explore the sandy trails of the island to discover hidden beaches where picnics await. Enjoy a sundowner at a secret spot to make the most of Praslin’s astounding natural beauty.
Sleeping
One of the components of a successful villa holiday is making sure everyone has their own space. One of La Cigale’s many plus points is its huge amount of space in not only its acreage but its configuration of bedrooms and garden cottages. In the main house there are five suites set over two floors, furnished to a very high standard with an opulent décor characterised by polished teak, marble, four-poster beds, freestanding baths, wraparound terraces and antique furniture. In the grounds there are four more contemporary styled garden pool suites which come with outdoor bathrooms and plunge pools.
Food & Drink
Not only are all your meals and drinks included at La Cigale, you can also choose when, where and what you eat with their unscripted dining ethos. The food can be deliciously healthy too as the villa has its own organic salad, herb and spice garden thanks to the owner who is vegan. The chef however is Seychellois through and through so expect some tasty local specialities including BBQ lobster, creole-spiced meat and fish curry paired with wholesome salads and grilled vegetables. Don’t forget cocktails too, which can be shaken up for you at a moment’s notice from the drink’s trolley or you’re free to explore the wine cellar and its handpicked vintages.
What Stands Out
In a part of the world dominated by five-star hotels, it is quite unusual to find a standalone villa of this size and calibre which also opens up straight onto the beach. If you value privacy and also love staying somewhere original that isn’t linked to a big chain, then La Cigale is perfect. Like staying in the private home of a friend, La Cigale has all the accoutrements and luxe comfort for a truly fantastic family holiday.
Best For
This villa on stunning Praslin Island is extremely well-suited for a multi-generational group. With staff and a chef, you can sit back and relax and there’s plenty of room to spread out plus spacious bedrooms with terraces or even private pools for when you need to retreat. It also has a great range of on-site activities, so those who like to stay put have plenty to do, while adventure seekers can take to the seas or explore the island. That said, the villa would also make a truly incredible location for a milestone birthday party where you can your friends could have a get-together in paradise.
